What’s The Best Power Tool For Cutting 1/2″ Metal Tubing?
baxgammon asked:
I need to cut lots of thin wall metal (usualy brass) tubing for applications in the lighting industry. I need nice clean perpendicular cuts and find a hand tubing cutter to be slow and “messy”. However I would rather not have to use a huge 14″ chop-saw due to space considerations. Can anyone recommend a power tool that will do the job without being way over powered - preferably bench mounted?
Question posted courtesy of: Allen
I need to cut lots of thin wall metal (usualy brass) tubing for applications in the lighting industry. I need nice clean perpendicular cuts and find a hand tubing cutter to be slow and “messy”. However I would rather not have to use a huge 14″ chop-saw due to space considerations. Can anyone recommend a power tool that will do the job without being way over powered - preferably bench mounted?
Question posted courtesy of: Allen
You Ask, We Answer
January 9th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
A 10 or smaller Miter saw with a abrasive blade would work as well.
January 11th, 2008 at 11:23 am
You could try a saw’zall. (sp?) Just ask home Depot for one, they know what it is.
January 12th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
If the tool needs to be easily moved from one area to the next, get you a DeWalt 18v cordless reciprocating saw. I use this saw for many different cutting tasks in commercial air conditioning installations and they do make a fine and clean cut.
January 13th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Try to find a small power miter that will accept about a 4 1/2 ” x 1/16″ thick cut-off wheel. Use light feed pressure to avoid flexing the wheel, and be prepared to ream the inside before pulling wire through it. I suspect a small tile cutting table saw with a diamond blade, using the cutting guide would also work with a little practice. Good luck.
January 14th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
They do make a small table mounted band saw.As for a clean cut stick with your tubing cutter.
January 16th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
With no offense to others who answer, nor to you,,,Number 1 has the best clue so far.
I have to wonder however, since it seems to be your stock in trade, why not research more deeply into pipe cutters that can be more stationary.
What I more enjoy about the spin type pipe cutter is the clean cut aspect, as opposed to any other, and again with no offense a sawzall etc. still means mounting the stock to keep it stable, and doesn’t strictly promise a straight 90 degree cut. Plus the residue needs more cleanup/out.
Also regarding thin wall stock. The speed of any blade, in conjunction with the weight of the device, might distort the stock in cutting.
Regarding “Messy” perhaps in part it has to do with being operated by a human, again, no offense, and the fact that the wheel needs turning to engage the blade deeper in each spin, even on thin stock.
As you are “IN” the industry, and may need the “tool” to be mobile, I’d look deeper into specifics, if I was in need.
Steven Wolf
January 20th, 2008 at 7:27 am
a dremel will be great
January 22nd, 2008 at 1:45 am
You can purchase a 41/2″ grinder and mount from Northern this is compact and will make a clean cut with the right cutting wheal. Also it is small and portable. The mount is similar to the bigger chop saw you mentioned. Buy the way that’s Northern Tool mail order.
January 24th, 2008 at 5:19 am
For cutting tubing, it is best to use the tube cutter. It takes a little while, but the cut should be good and square and should cause a minimum of distortion to your tubing. Any other device will cause more headaches with tube distortion and clean-up. If you are bent on using a power tool, I guess I’d try a chop saw with a good metal cutting blade in it.